Intermittent Motion Cartoners feature metric design.

Press Release Summary:



Available in right and left hand configurations, Meridian IM Cartoners feature 9 or 12 in. centers with speeds of 53 and 45 cpm, respectively. Carton sizes range from 4-8 in. x ½-6 in. x 4.5-12 in. with 9 in. center machine, and 4-11 in. x ½-6 in. x 4.5-12 in. with 12 in. center model. Standard features include Allen Bradley ControlLogix controls and Kinetix drives, color touch-screen HMI, servo-driven flap closers, Nordson Pro-Blue 7 hot melt glue system, and straight-in bucket conveyor.



Original Press Release:



Jones Expands Meridian Cartoning Line



R.A. Jones expands popular mid-priced, large center Meridian line with a new Servo Driven Intermittent Motion version

July, 2008 - R.A. Jones & Co. Inc. offers packagers a higher standard in mid-priced, large center Intermittent Motion cartoners with the expansion of its popular Meridian line. Created for global markets, the metric-design Meridian cartoning line provides flexible, cost-effective cartoning solutions with absolutely no compromises in Jones field-proven quality, reliability, performance and after-market service, said John Finck, R.A. Jones Sr. Vice President of Sales.

The name Meridian, meaning "high point of the middle", exactly defines where the new cartoner line will be positioned in the marketplace, he explained. "Our goal is to grow our business significantly in existing and new market segments in many regions of the world," Finck said. "The development of the Intermittent Motion Meridian gives us a platform that will serve the most diverse group of customers of any machine we now have, and complement our expanding sales and support channels through the Americas and Europe."

Great attention was given to machine footprint, affordability and value during Meridian IM development, he stressed. "The mid-tier price of Meridian, combined with a compact size designed to easily drop into the same footprint of the previous generation Jones IMC cartoner, makes the machine accessible to a much broader customer base and will have universal appeal to both large and small potential customers in the food and consumer products segments."

The Meridian multi-purpose design was based on customer feedback and benchmarking against Jones competitors, Finck said. The development team worked with strategic partners comprised of customers from leading companies in electronics, food and consumer products. The strategic partners assisted the team in finalizing design and technical requirements.

Meeting trends toward shorter product life cycles and accelerated product development, the Meridian large center cartoners offer optimal flexibility. Meridian IM cartoners are available with either 9" or 12" centers, both right hand and left hand configuration, with convenient small footprints. The overall base frame is 10' in both the 9" and 12" center configuration.

Featuring a smooth and efficient rotary carton feed, Meridian cartoners can reach speeds of 53 cpm with a 9" center and 45 cpm with a 12" center. Carton sizes range from 4" to 8" long, 1/2" to 6" wide and 4.5" to 12" deep with the 9" center machine, and 4" to 11" long, 1/2" to 6" wide and 4.5" to 12" deep with the 12" center model.

Available with a 4 chain adjustable carton transport that utilizes easy to replace "tool-less" lugs and standard adjustable buckets, the Meridian can easily be reconfigured to meet today's demanding flexibility requirements.

Jones has long recognized that changeover speed and ease are critical to high productivity and machine flexibility, noted Finck. "The Meridian follows the Jones '4T' philosophy with regard to changeovers," he said. "The machines can be changed over with minimal Tools, Time, Talent and Tweaking."

Standard Meridian features include Allen Bradley ControlLogix controls and Kinetix drives, Allen Bradley VersaView color touch-screen HMI, servo-driven flap closers, a Nordson Pro-Blue 7 hot melt glue system, and straight-in bucket conveyor including guide buckets.

Stainless steel construction is standard on Meridian machines. Debris falls through to the floor with minimal catch points, simplifying machine sanitation. A safe, cleanable walk-in guarding system eases access.

Options include automatic transfers, code date, tuck closing, open flap inspect and reject, a loader reject conveyor, NEMA 4 electrics, CE mark capability and Siemens controls.

Metric design and a standard electrical platform provide cost-effective application in U.S., European and other world markets.

Customers can easily standardize on Jones cartoners across a range of speeds and price levels, consolidating parts and after market service support while eliminating the complexity of dealing with multiple suppliers, noted Finck. In addition, global customers can outfit plants in multiple countries with identical Jones cartoners.
All Meridian machines are shipped in half the time as earlier generation products and are covered with a standard one-year warranty.

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